What gives cities its unique style? Its personality and character? Its allure? Is it the fashion style of its residents? Or the artistic communities, expressing their art-form to the outside world. Is it the historic fabric of the city, embodied in all her historic buildings and edifices with all their different architectural styles?

Perhaps all of the above. Each city is as unique as her personal story of how it came about, embellished by a colorful history, replete with its own trials and tribulations. Much like Boutique Hotels that have become a permanent fixture in cities across the world. Each with a distinctive character, style, charm and attitude, to suit any lifestyle.

From classic elegance, chic seaside retreats, eclectic mix, to urban hip haunts, spunky funky, and cool mod (click on picture). Here’s a look at boutique hotels in San Diego, California’s city by the bay that is better known as a family-friendly destination with its world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World and Legoland. There is, however, an ongoing transformation, that is giving this laid-back surfer’s mecca with the perfect all-year round Mediterranean weather, a sophisticated make-over. Hollywood types have been secretly converging on San Diego’s boutique hotel, gourmet dining and club scene for years. The cat is clearly out of the bag!